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The Senators winger didn’t like the fact he was kneed for the second straight game Friday — the first from Boston’s Adam McQuaid Wednesday and this one courtesy of Pittsburgh’s Simon Despres — and forced to get medical treatment.

While Foligno was no worse for wear and was on the ice Saturday at the Bell Sensplex for practice, he doesn’t think there is anything sinister about the fact that it has happened in back-to-back games.

“It’s being in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Foligno. “That’s hockey, though. It’s going to happen. I like to think I play in the corners and in places that are high traffic. Those things are going to happen.

“That just happened so fast I didn’t even see the replay yet. I don’t know if he was trying to get around me or I moved too quick and he couldn’t react in time. It’s brutal that it has happened two games in a row.

“I’ve been really lucky that I’ve only come away with only minor injuries. I don’t want to see this continue to happen and I don’t think it will, but it definitely it makes you a little more aware of the way guys are hitting.”

Foligno said he has to play with an edge.

“I think I need to, to do well. I don’t think I’m doing it to be a pretender,” said Foligno. “I’m doing it because I need to have that edge to be a good player in this league and play hard. I don’t think I’m crossing any lines.

“It’s allowing me to play good hockey and I want to keep playing with that edge. If you play the right way, you’re always going to be a target. I take it as a compliment. It means they’re thinking about you. I don’t mind if I’m a target, but I don’t think that’s the case. If that is the case, then that’s just me doing my job.”

SENS SALUTE MARTIN

The Senators were sorry to hear former coach Jacques Martin was fired by the Habs Saturday.

He spent eight years in Ottawa and played a big part in the careers of captain Daniel Alfredsson, D Chris Phillips and RW Chris Neil.

“He took us from being a team in complete disarray to a team that competes every night and has a chance to win every night,” said Alfredsson. “He definitely helped this organization to get to a good level.”

Alfredsson said former teammate and new Habs coach Randy Cunneyworth “as a player was a guy that expected the team to be intense and play hard for 60 minutes. He was definitely a character player. He can relate to the different kind of players that they have. The skill players and checkers as well.”

BLUELINERS EYE RETURN

Ds Sergei Gonchar (upper body) and Filip Kuba were both on the ice Saturday for the club’s one-hour skate at the Bell Sensplex.

They looked fine and there is a good chance one — or both — could return against the Buffalo Sabres Tuesday at home.

Coach Paul MacLean said there won’t be any determination made on either player until after the club returns to practice Monday.